Before the Nexus exploded, everyone still thought RAG had a chance to turn it around. It wasn’t until the game ended that they realized wait, they actually lost?
[What the hell? A 6-0 team lost to 0-6?]
[Huh? Are you kidding?]
[What happened? How did they lose? I wasn’t watching.]
[RAG tried to link up mid and jungle but the other team beat them down hard.]
[No it was the coach’s draft. Picked a comp they’re not good at.]
[But Lee Sin and Ahri is a common combo. A lot of teams run that.]
[It’s the mid-jungle synergy that’s the issue.]
[Shouldn’t drafts consider what the players are best at?]
[They’re pros. They should overcome their weaknesses.]
[But willingly exposing your weaknesses? You really think that’s okay? Great, now all the other teams know how to counter RAG.]
[If you don’t show it yourself, what? wait until others find out? Just like Qi Yi in the point matches. Dominated early, got stomped later.]
[Every game you can win matters. Regular season points determine playoff seeds.]
[What kind of trash draft was that from RAG?]
[I don’t think Bai Yu can even play that setup.]
[Definitely the new coach’s fault.]
The chat exploded with debate, and the offline venue was no quieter.
Next up was TUP’s match. They were watching from the room next to RAG’s. The coach frowned as he watched. "What kind of draft is this from RAG?"
Ningmeng glanced over. "Probably trying out a new comp."
But the coach shook his head, looking serious.
Chu Fei, also watching, didn’t seem relaxed either. He seemed to have noticed something. "Last time we played them, I noticed their mid-jungle almost never coordinate. Fang Zhixu used to be an all-around jungler, really good at ganking lanes. But in RAG, he mostly plays for macro. He hardly ever sets tempo. I don’t think it’s just us. A lot of teams have probably seen it. It’s just that no one wanted to test it. Now Bai Yu’s exposing that flaw himself, like he’s telling every team: come target me."
The coach nodded, heavy with thought. That’s exactly what it felt like.
He knew Bai Yu well enough to be sure he wasn’t someone careless or clueless. The only explanation was that Bai Yu was dealing with something much bigger than just losing to BN.
The camera cut to Bai Yu. His face was calm, too calm.
With the chat flying across the screen, he took off his headset, said something quietly, then walked off toward the team room.
The result was clearly expected.
No matter how many times he warned them before the game, nothing would be more effective than a real loss. Only by losing could they feel that fear, deep and unforgettable.
Those who don’t respect their opponents
Eventually learn the hard way.
Bai Yu walked quickly toward the team room, his mind full of plans for the next two games. He couldn’t hear anything else.
Lu Sheng had never played such a miserable game. He took off his headset and glanced at Bai Yu’s face. Seeing no expression, he hesitantly called him twice, but Bai Yu didn’t respond.
He’s really mad...
Lu Sheng instinctively reached out to grab him, but Bai Yu was walking too fast. He only managed to brush his sleeve.
His legs felt like they were made of lead. Standing under the harsh corridor lights, stuck in the middle of the crowd, he suddenly didn’t know if he should follow.
He was afraid. Afraid it would be like three years ago, when Bai Yu looked up at him with those cold, emotionless eyes and chose Lin Kun without hesitation.
At the doorway, Bai Yu suddenly stopped, turned around, eyes scanning the crowd until they locked onto him.
"Lu Sheng, come here."
He pushed aside the people around him and left an open spot, right next to him on his left like always.
The shadow over Lu Sheng seemed to vanish all at once. He hurried to Bai Yu’s side, staring at his face and leaning down to listen carefully.
Bai Yu was a full head shorter, posture straight and firm. Though his frame was thin, his voice carried weight.
"Your coordination was bad early on but I watched the replays. It got better later. I think you and Fang Zhixu can work together smoothly. You just need more practice. I’ll keep using the’s comp next game."
Lu Sheng was lost in his voice, nodding the whole time. Then he suddenly snapped back.
"We’re using it again?"
Bai Yu nodded, then looked at him. "Is that a problem?"
Back in North America, drafts always revolved around him. Lu Sheng had never felt this restricted. But looking into Bai Yu’s eyes, he still forced out a word.
"No."
Bai Yu looked at him, then smiled. "Play well."
That smile cleared all the gloom from Lu Sheng’s mind. He felt completely recharged.
Fine. Ahri it is. Mid-jungle synergy? He’s seen it all before. This was nothing.
Off to the side, Fang Zhixu had just finished talking to Bai Yu. Whatever was said, it made him noticeably more serious. He turned and offered a hand.
"God Lu, let’s work well together next week. I really don’t want to lose again."
Fang Zhixu was the most cunning person on the team. Lu Sheng had no interest in guessing his intentions and never liked dealing with him.
Lu Sheng stared at him, ready to snap back. But he met Bai Yu’s gaze and instantly backed down.
They shook hands. A temporary truce.
Lu Sheng had never wanted to win this badly. He wanted it so badly, he lowered his head and warned Fang Zhixu,
"If we lose, I won’t let you off."
Fang Zhixu smiled. "Me neither."
Back in the team room, Xu Bo was the first to come over.
"What happened out there?" He saw Qi Yi looking dejected and felt relieved that he didn’t have to go on stage himself. That match was a disaster.
Then, Bai Yu looked at him calmly.
"Xu Bo, get ready. You’re playing next game."
Xu Bo was stunned. "What?!"
Bai Yu stayed calm. "You afraid to lose?"
Xu Bo stuttered, "Wha—what? How would we lose to BN…"
Then he looked at Qi Yi, Fang Zhixu, and Lu Sheng.
His mind spiraled. What the hell kind of cursed comp was that? How did they lose?
Bai Yu quickly reviewed the last match and laid out the next strategy.
The teammates, who hadn’t been taking things seriously at first, suddenly became focused. Every single one looked serious, more nervous than ever.
They’d never cared this much about a match before.
Chen Shi’an smiled faintly, a bit out of place among the tense mood.
He leaned over to Bai Yu and asked softly,
"I’m curious if we lose, how are you going to punish me?"
He wasn’t afraid of extra practice. They already had enough.
He wasn’t afraid of Bai Yu getting mad. He knew him too well. Bai Yu didn’t really get angry.
And no external threats worked on him either.
Bai Yu rubbed his chin, seriously thinking.
"You’re kind of old now, so physical punishment doesn’t feel right. How about this? I’ll move you to a double room. Get you a roommate so you’re not so bored."
Chen Shi’an stopped smiling.
Just thinking about a shared room made his skin crawl.
"Bai Yu, are you serious?"
Bai Yu nodded and patted his shoulder.
"We’re a team. If I punish them, I’m punishing you too. Don’t worry, no one’s escaping. I’ll deal with each of you personally."
Chen Shi’an watched him walk away, speechless.
So cruel.
How could someone come up with something that evil?
He really is someone you both love and hate.
—
Second game began.
Bai Yu stuck with the same comp. Even the casters were surprised.
"Why is RAG so fixated on Ahri? They could’ve easily picked Corki here!”
[Is Bai Yu just letting the new coach do whatever he wants?]
[I get the feeling this is all Bai Yu’s idea...]
[Is RAG trying to control the score?]
[It’s only halfway through the regular season. Isn’t it way too early for that?]
[Why would they control the score now? With the brutal schedule coming up, every point matters!]
[I don’t get it, but I’m honestly shocked.]
[It’s over, it’s over.]
[RAG is about to lose 0:2.]
The camera panned across Lu Sheng. He put on his headset, eyes sharp and expression fierce. That look wasn’t someone about to get stomped 0:2. It was more like he was ready to tear the other team apart.
Even through the screen, the crowd could feel God Lu’s killing intent.
Right at the start, as usual, he landed an Electrocute combo that chunked the enemy’s HP down to a quarter. The opposing Viktor, still confident after last performance, stepped up to last-hit a minion. At that moment, a Sonic Wave pierced through the thick wall and hit him dead on. Fang Zhixu followed with his second Q to close the gap and slow him.
Level 3 mid gank.
That had never been part of RAG’s usual strategy.
Viktor instinctively went to flash, but his fingers were too slow. Lu Sheng flashed past the creep wave, landing a charm straight to his face. The two then finished him off in a clean burst.
The caster shouted, "That was a beautiful combo. Especially the Flash E from Ahri, didn’t even give Viktor a chance to flash."
Anyone who plays knows Ahri’s Flash E is much faster than E Flash. It can instantly charm through the body but is very easy to mess up, so few pros ever try it.
But Lu Sheng is just that bold.
That’s exactly why Viktor hesitated, and didn’t react in time.
The stadium exploded. The two-time champion was back.
Ahri’s poke wasn’t enough by itself, and while Lee Sin had the damage, he lacked early crowd control. But the two together made up for each other’s weaknesses.
Last game felt rushed. Lu Sheng clearly wasn’t ready.
But this time, he came in prepared.
[No way, the mid-jungle is actually in sync?]
[Ahhhh God Lu’s Flash E was so sick!]
[They don’t even look like the same players.]
[Where did that Level 3 gank come from? Fang Zhixu gave up Scuttle just to follow?]
[I swear they got scold by Bai Yu...]
[?]
[Holy crap]
[That’s it. That’s the answer.]
Looking at Lu Sheng’s scowl and Fang Zhixu’s frustrated face, everything made sense.
RAG’s mid-jungle suddenly came alive. There were a couple of awkward plays, but Lu Sheng quickly stabilized things, and Fang Zhixu followed his lead completely.
At that moment, neither of them had any other thoughts.
No grudges, no egos, no friction.
Only one thing mattered. Win.
Win first, sort out the drama later.
Chen Shi’an in the top lane, who didn’t even want to share a room with anyone, also pulled out his signature champ. He froze the wave perfectly, forced his opponent to recall, and took two turret plates. Over in mid lane, Lu Sheng and Fang Zhixu had already taken the tower and were roaming freely. The enemy jungle was in ruins.
He sighed, "What the hell did Bai Yu say to you guys?"
How did he make two guys who couldn’t stand each other start working together?
At that moment, Lu Sheng honestly felt like dying. He hated this style of play. It felt completely unnatural.
Why is the game so long? It felt endless.
Every time he wanted to give up and go back to what he was comfortable with, Bai Yu would always say something right on cue.
"Nice job. Keep playing like that. Huge improvement."
That alone made Lu Sheng think, maybe I can keep this up just a little longer.
Then Fang Zhixu’s voice would pop in annoyingly.
"Mm-hmm! Thanks for the compliment, captain!"
Lu Sheng clicked his tongue. He wanted to roast him.
Clearly, the compliment was meant for him. What did it have to do with Fang Zhixu?
With God Lu’s overwhelming performance, the enemy collapsed fast.
Especially the final teamfight where he got a pentakill and reset his ult five times. Finally, he got to let it all out.
At least now he didn’t have to worry about Bai Yu getting pissed anymore.
Lu Sheng took off his headset and stared straight at Bai Yu.
Bai Yu gave a soft smile. When he wasn’t threatening people, the lights made him look incredibly gentle.
"You all played really well especially Lu Sheng and Fang Zhixu. Pick the same champs again next round."
Lu Sheng was still caught in his smile when the words finally sank in.
Wait, what?
Pick them again?
—
Game three was already underway.
Chu Fei watched Lu Sheng’s plays closely and suddenly frowned.
"His playstyle changed again."
The coach beside him nodded. He’d asked Chu Fei to pay attention for this exact reason.
"Lu Sheng plays with a lot of aggression and very clear intentions. That makes him easy to target. But NA’s team was built entirely around him. They covered every weakness he had. That’s how they won two world titles. RAG doesn’t have that kind of foundation. In fact, no team in the LPL does. If Lu Sheng wants to stay in the league, he has to adapt."
Chu Fei, being a mid laner himself, understood immediately.
"How could Lu Sheng possibly let go of the style that won him championships? For players who’ve already achieved success, change is the hardest thing."
The coach said calmly,
"That’s exactly where Bai Yu shines."
He sacrificed one game to make Lu Sheng see both his own limitations and the team’s shortcomings.
If he wants to win, he has to change.
That process is painful. But Lu Sheng was willing to go through it.
Even the coach found that hard to believe.
"I don’t know how Bai Yu pulled it off. But this isn’t the first time. Back when he was on TG, he did the same with Lin Kun. Lin Kun was already strong but incomplete. Bai Yu patched up his biggest weakness and helped him become an untouchable legend."
"What makes Bai Yu terrifying isn’t his mechanics. It’s his game sense and long-term vision. Every player who trains under him ends up reborn."
"And now he wants to do the same with Lu Sheng. That’s terrifying."
Chu Fei was deeply shaken.
He’d always heard about how many top-tier players came from Bai Yu’s teams, but never realized they were all molded by him.
Bai Yu seemed to see every player’s potential ceiling, and pushed them toward it.
That explained everything.
Xu Bo, who everyone gave up on, dominated Worlds under Bai Yu.
Qi Yi, passed over by countless teams, was carried back into pro play by him.
Chen Shi’an, always quiet and average, only truly shined under Bai Yu.
And Fang Zhixu, who looked like he had no standout traits, actually won FMVP with his unique style.
And now Lu Sheng, who looked like a flawless player, was still finding room to grow in his hands.
Chu Fei felt a chill down his spine. But more than fear, he found himself wondering:
What would I become, if Bai Yu coached me?
So many players have come and gone. The LPL has gone through generations of change.
Yet the one constant on stage is Bai Yu.
Ningmeng, who was sitting beside him suddenly brought it up: “Is SG also watching the RAG match?”
Their next opponent was SG, and theoretically, they’d also be watching this match. One could only wonder what they thought of it now.
The third game ended quickly.
Lu Sheng was even more ruthless. Fang Zhixu played the full-time support role, working around him, feeding Lu Sheng's champs until it was bloated. Even though he didn’t get a pentakill this round, he still took down seven opponents and earned MVP for the match. Most importantly, after this game, no one was criticizing their mid-jungle coordination anymore.
[Ahhh my God Lu is back again!]
[Absolutely stunning! How can he look so good even playing Ahri?! He’s killing me! I’m gonna stan him for life!]
[Every team fight was so well executed, by the third game there were basically no coordination mistakes.]
[God Lu always saves part of his ult, so smooth, whatever he does just works.]
[Ha I knew there’s no way we’d lose to BN.]
[Scared ourselves for nothing~]
The whole venue was cheering for them. Lu Sheng subconsciously looked over at Bai Yu. Although he was smiling too, he didn’t seem as excited as expected, just quietly watching the result.
How disappointing.
He’d hoped for some praise.
He pulled up his collar, face cold and unapproachable, hands in pockets as he left.
Midway, Bai Yu suddenly called out to him: “You and Fang Zhixu go for the interview this time.”
Lu Sheng instinctively resisted: “Not going.”
Bai Yu responded with an “Hmm?” and turned to look at him. “Angry about something? That petty?”
Lu Sheng got riled up immediately. “I’m not.”
He hugged his equipment and held it in the whole way, but eventually couldn’t help blurting out: “Bai Yu, did you do it on purpose? There were so many comps we could’ve picked, but you just had to pick Ahri.”
And not just once, three games in a row.
Even if Bai Yu had picked champions blindfolded with his feet, there was no way he’d end up with something that passive.
Lu Sheng stared at him, only to see Bai Yu’s lips slowly curve into a smile, his tone light and breezy, “Ah, you caught me.”
…Seriously.
How does he manage to make it impossible for people to stay mad?
Lu Sheng clutched his gear tightly and strode ahead.
Behind him came Fang Zhixu’s voice trying to take credit: “Captain, how did I do these past two rounds? I can play even better next time.”
Bai Yu never held back when it came to praising him. “Good job, keep it up.”
Lu Sheng let out a dismissive “tch.”
Some people are just annoying, no matter how well they cooperate.
The interview was underway. Lu Sheng and Fang Zhixu appeared on the same screen, and the contrast couldn’t have been more extreme.
Fang Zhixu was all smiles and totally cooperative, his eyes always curved in a sweet arc, he gave off a very likable vibe.
Lu Sheng, on the other hand, had a grumpy face the whole time, especially when Fang Zhixu tried to act cute, his look of disgust didn’t seem faked at all.
[Hahahahaha…]
[Help this is so funny!]
[Poor God Lu, it must be tough… the fact that these two can even coordinate is a miracle.]
[I thought they were close based on how much they teamed up in the match…]
[He’s probably being forced, right?]
[God Lu looks like he's definitely being forced…]
[I don’t know what Bai Yu is using to threaten them, but this is honestly the most desperate I’ve ever seen Lu Sheng. Even his hair looks like it’s trying its best.]
[For real, he didn’t even try this hard at Worlds.]
[I can’t, I’m about to pass out laughing…]
Watching the “harmonious” interview on screen, Bai Yu was truly speechless. “Why are they airing such an embarrassing mess…”
After the interview, they were about to leave when staff came over to inform them that it was raining outside. Traffic police were dispersing the crowd, so it was recommended they rest a bit before heading out.
Bai Yu nodded. May as well take the chance to relax.
Everyone sat down to chat. The lounge screen started broadcasting the next match: TUP versus SG. The outcome was basically a given even before it started.
TUP had improved a lot this year. Chu Fei’s playstyle was more mature, and Ningmeng had also broken through his limits.
Most importantly, their team synergy had leveled up.
Watching them, Bai Yu felt a little sour. “Look at how well they coordinate… When will we ever get there?”
No one dared respond, all their eyes darting around like crazy.
TUP’s win was clean. Both games ended in under 20 minutes. SG got completely crushed, and their points dropped straight to 11th place. If they fall any further, they’re going to be relegated.
After the match, Cheng Lin burst into tears on the spot.
It was his usual tactic, lose and cry, always managed to get back a bit of sympathy.
But this time, he seemed genuinely upset.
Watching this, Bai Yu unexpectedly started to feel a bit bad. Just then, staff came to inform them: “You can head out now.”
He stood and called his teammates, “Let’s go.”
Just at that moment, SG returned to their training room.
The two teams bumped into each other unexpectedly in the hallway. Cheng Lin, still wiping his tears, froze mid-cry, staring blankly at the people across from him.
Usually gentle and patient with him, Bai Yu didn’t spare him a single glance this time, walking straight past without even the slightest extra look.
Behind him came Lu Sheng, radiating a cold, dizzying aura. Backpack slung over one shoulder, hands in pockets, striding forward like nothing in the world could stop them.
Chen Shi’an followed with a light smile. As they brushed past, he suddenly looked toward Cheng Lin, curiosity in his eyes.
The rest all turned their attention to him. Xu Bo still had that arrogant air, Qi Yi was eyeing him cautiously, as if wondering why he’d performed so terribly.
Fang Zhixu was at the rear, with his head of pink hair and a lollipop in his mouth. He looked the least threatening, but suddenly leaned in and asked curiously, “Cheng Lin, how come you’ve regressed so much since Bai Yu left? Can’t play without him?”
Cheng Lin’s eyes widened instantly, his body going stiff.
He knew he was doing terribly now, but he hadn’t expected Fang Zhixu to say that.
He trembled in rage, eyes red, tears threatening to fall again, when suddenly he heard Bai Yu’s exasperated voice: “Fang Zhixu, let’s go. Are you eating supper or not…”
At the sound of Bai Yu’s gentle voice, Cheng Lin’s tears finally came pouring down.
Back in the day, whenever he suffered a loss, Bai Yu had comforted him in the same soft tone.
When the public doubted him, Bai Yu trained with him daily.
That time was painful, yes, but it had brought results. He could sleep soundly every night.
Not like now, constantly anxious, confused, and unsure of everything…
Bai Yu called out to Fang Zhixu and walked off. He wasn’t helping Cheng Lin out, he was just worried Fang Zhixu might leave behind some ammo for others.
Anyone who knew Bai Yu well knew this: when it came to this kind of thing, he was fiercely protective.
Just not of Cheng Lin anymore.
Realizing this, an overwhelming sadness gripped Cheng Lin.
He squatted down and began to cry loudly.